sodium polysulfide

chemical compound

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Sodium polysulfide refers to a group of yellow chemical compounds with the general formula Na₂S_n, where n represents two or more sulfur atoms linked together. These compounds are created by dissolving sulfur in a solution of sodium sulfide or sodium hydroxide.1

Sodium polysulfides have various applications. They are used in the tanning industry to remove hair from animal hides. Additionally, they serve as a starting material for synthetic organic substances known as Thiokols, which are rubbery or resinous materials used in hoses, tank linings, and rocket fuels due to their resistance to chemical and physical damage.2

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polysulfide
Sodium polysulfides are used in the tanning industry to remove hair from hides; lime–sulfur and sulfurated potash, prepared by heating sulfur with lime and potash, respectively, are mixtures containing polysulfides, used as insecticides and pesticides.
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Sodium polysulfides are used in the tanning industry to remove hair from hides; lime–sulfur and sulfurated potash, prepared by heating sulfur with lime and potash, respectively, are mixtures containing polysulfides, used as insecticides and pesticides.
Read More